So I'll be going to Ireland in September, and I just can't seem to decide what the best itinerary will be. My first thoughts: Flying into Dublin early morning, pick up car, drive to Glendalough and stop, then on to Kilkenny to stay for the night. Next day onto to Cashel for some sightseeing then Kinsale for the night. Next day drive ring of Kerry then onto Dingle for the 3rd night. From Dingle the next morning heading around to Doolin and Lisdoonvarna and hitting the Aran Islands, and Cliffs of Moher, possibly staying in this area for 2 nights. Then possibly up to, as far north as, Westport for the 6th night. And this is where I'm really not sure what to do. so the 7th day early morning heading to Trim, to hopefully make it for the night, and onto Dublin on the 8th day. The 2 nights in County Clare is problematic, and wonder if it's possible to do the 2nd night further north. so that I could do the 6th night in Trim and 7th night in Dublin. Anyway, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Just a couple of suggestions: Going from Dingle to Doolin, take the road to Tarbert and take the car ferry across the River Shannon there. It will save you driving around through Limerick and put you on the coast road to the Cliffs (and Doolin). Keep in mind that if the weather doesn't permit, boats don't go to the Aran Islands, so the one day you plan to go there might not work out. Having a second day in the area would be good in that case. Second, on the Trim day you should try to slot in Newgrange, which is nearby. But are you flying out on day 8? That leaves you no time to see anything in Dublin on this trip. Other than that, though others will say you are trying to do too much, I think it looks good.
Posted by
OP
Alexandria, VA, US
12 posts
Thanks Nancy, again, for the reply. I've been to Dublin before, and the Southeast. So was just going to spend a little less than a day there. I was thinking about that ferry, and now I think I will. The person I'm traveling with is extremely interested in the Aran Islands, but think it might just be too much.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2776 posts
If it were me, I would forget about Westport and spend an extra night in Dingle. It's hardly worth it to drive all the way there and just spend one night, particularly given the things you want to do that day (RofK) and the following (Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, etc.) Give yourself some time to enjoy Dingle.